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Having a large dining table, a reasonably equipped kitchen and a gas stove inspired me to invite a couple of friends over for dinner. The burning question is … do you cook French for the French? Especially when the French in question happen to be food lovers, with a discerning palate and not shy to be self …

This was my mission for the day. Two tiny buildings, sandwiched at a T-intersection on Rue Galande in Paris. I don’t venture over to this part of the left bank often, it might be the multitude of tourists or the kind of ‘je ne sais quoi’ that I can’t put into words but it feels like foreign territory to …

Paris Greeters is a great initiative. Local residents volunteer their time to take fellow visitors like myself around their neighbourhood and bestow a bit of culture, interesting facts and sites and warm Parisian friendliness. This is my third consecutive year to donate to the cause and learn more about the city of Paris through the eyes …

For some strange reason I tend to avoid Rue Montorgueil but now that the throngs of tourists have thinned out, I decided to take a little wander and a closer look. Over the last fews days, each time I drag open the giant heavy front door to my apartment block, I am confronted with …

As the razor dropped onto the floor of the shower, the handle breaking away from the blade, instinctively, I jerked all toes up in the air to avoid damage. Thwack! The pain shot through my left foot. A few expletives and a fair amount of moaning followed. The pain in my foot was worse …

After yesterday’s massacre, the streets of the Marais were unusually quiet today, despite it being the normally very busy lunch hour. My favourite Boulangerie was closed, but for most, it was business as usual as I approached Petit fer a Cheval. A couple of weeks back I met a nice Australian couple at one of Jim …

Cold and dirty, hobbling around with a broken toe and the wonder shoe makes me feel like a homeless person. My stylish brown coat albeit many years old now, has either stretched, or I have shrunk and the uneven, tapered hemline trails along the ground. I notice Parisians looking me up and down, look at the coat dragging …

Tonight I had the most magical evening. A night of firsts, surrounded by wonderful company, an array of delicious food, and I became Queen for a Night. Situated on the right bank, in the area of Saint Paul is a charming flower shop that specialises in roses; Au Nom de la Rose. Many times over the …

With no pain killers and all the pharmacies closed on New Years Day had me confined in the apartment all day. Perhaps it wasn’t a bad thing to finally get some rest and sleep. However, today had me feeling quite proud of myself. Not only did I step out today but I managed to tell …

Although it was Tuesday, I woke this morning feeling warm and cosy, with a sleepy kind of Sunday feeling. Not a care in the world and nothing on the agenda. It wasn’t until I rolled over thinking; I can sleep a little more if I like and then OUCH! That was when I remembered that I …